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Wallabies duo impress against USA

Date published: September 7 2015

Wallabies flanker Sean McMahon and utility back Kurtley Beale's stocks rose after their side's 47-10 win over the USA in Chicago on Saturday.

While replacement scrum-half Will Genia caught the eye with a superb second-half cameo, man of the match McMahon shone on the openside flank while Beale excelled in the full-back role before switching to inside centre where he also impressed.

McMahon was not used during the Wallabies' triumphant Rugby Championship campaign but his performance against the Eagles may have forced Wallabies coach Michael Cheika to consider him for a bench spot in his first-choice matchday squad at the World Cup.

"He played well," Cheika told AAP.

"He's still very fresh but his energy is outstanding. It is infectious to the other players.

"That energy he brings to the team and that raw edge is the reason he got selected."

McMahon is pleased with his performance but feels there's still room for improvement.

"I was happy with my performance but in every game you come off thinking you could have done better," he said.

"That's where I am at the moment and I'm going to go back and try to fix a few little things.

"I am out there being an energiser just trying to do what I do at 110 percent all the time. With that though discipline and technique has to come also."

Although Beale highlighted his utility value with his efforts at full-back and inside centre, he knows it will be difficult to make the starting XV with Israel Folau and Matt Giteau set to wear the Wallabies' number 15 and 12 jersies in the big games at the World Cup.

But he is happy with his effort and keen for another opportunity.

"Those positions are pretty stocked with some pretty special talent so hopefully I've impressed and hopefully I get another chance," he said.

"I'm very pleased with the opportunity to start and with how I went.

"Individually it's about focusing on your role within the team to achieve the outcome. All the hard work during the week – it's tough – there's always someone knocking on the door, and that's what I've been trying to do.

"Hopefully I've showcased my ability to be able to play the game, and I feel like I'm back to where I was a couple of years ago."